It’s that time of year, again, when parents with three and four year olds must start thinking about whether or not to enroll their child in preschool. Unfortunately, a study by the University of California at Berkley found that the number of Latino parents enrolling their children between 2005 and 2009 had declined. A more recent study has not come out yet (not that we’re aware of anyway), but we’re hopeful that this number has reversed and more parents are using preschool to help their children succeed academically.
If you are having trouble deciding whether or not to place your child in preschool this fall, maybe these facts will help you out…
Preschool Prepares Your Child for Kindergarten
Many Latino children are starting Kindergarten already behind and some never catch up. The goal of preschool is to develop skills your child will need in school. Math, literacy, and fine motor skills are just some of the ones that preschool focuses on. Emotional and social development are also important so that children may learn to express themselves in a positive and constructive manner.
Preschool Boosts IQ Levels
Children who attend preschool tend to have better self-esteem, which leads to less behavior problems and improved IQ levels. A good preschool can help children learn to feel good about their accomplishments and can also give them the courage to experiement and try more things, allowing them to further strengthen their self-image.
Preschool Reduces Crime, Alcoholism, and Addiction
According to one study that followed more than 1500 children that lived in low-income neighborhoods in Chicago, children who attended preschool were less likely to repeat a grade level, smoke, drop out, experience teen pregnancy, or end up in jail for criminal acts.
Preschool Teaches Age-Appropriate Lessons
Number and letter recognition, the names of shapes and colors, as well as basic science concepts like the senses and weather are all covered in preschool. Mastering these areas help children establish a firm foundation for math and reading success.
Preschool Helps Parents
For parents who are uncomfortable or unable to teach their children all these basic concepts at home, a good preschool can be a powerful tool to help your child succeed and get a head start on academic performance. Most preschools are careful to engage and inform the parents, realizing the important role that parents play in their children’s development.
Creative commons-licensed photo provided by Steve & Jemma Copley.
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